North American Codes Accelerate HRV/ERV Uptake in Commercial Construction

New and updated building codes across North America now mandate or incentivize heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) in commercial and high-performance buildings, prompting early adaptation among developers, contractors, and equipment integrators.

California's 2025 update to the Title 24 Energy Code, effective January 1, 2026, sets prescriptive requirements for HRV/ERV systems in multifamily buildings located in climate zones 1, 2, 4, 11-14, and 16. These systems must meet defined performance metrics, including a minimum sensible heat recovery efficiency of 67% and a maximum fan efficacy of 0.6 W/CFM, verified through field testing by an Energy Code Compliance rater. High-efficiency ERVs with 80-92% recovery effectiveness are documented to reduce whole-building energy usage by 10-12%. California's Title 24 now prescriptively mandates HRV/ERV systems in multifamily buildings in specific climate zones, according to Pacific Beach Builder reporting. High-efficiency ERVs can cut building energy use by 10-12%^{1Title 24 2026 Energy Code: Heat Pumps, Air Barriers & HRV Requirements for Pacific Beach}

New York is moving to adopt ASHRAE 90.1-2022 by reference in its 2024 Energy Conservation Construction Code, introducing stricter efficiency measures for commercial buildings. New York's proposed commercial energy code will meet or exceed ASHRAE 90.1-2022 standards^{2March 19, 2025}. The U.S. Department of Energy has issued a positive determination for ASHRAE 90.1-2022, which includes renewable energy requirements, and mandates states review their commercial energy codes by March 6, 2026.^{3ASHRAE commercial building code standard now requires on-site renewables | Smart Cities Dive}

In Canada, model codes remain objective-based amid federal efforts toward net-zero emissions. Guidance documents, such as Natural Resources Canada's retrofit guidelines, note that HRV/ERV technologies are prevalent in commercial applications, especially in colder climates, though retrofits face challenges. Guidance documents note HRV/ERV are commercially available across North America and especially common in colder climates^{4Building Technologies Office}

Background

Energy codes, including the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), ASHRAE 90.1, and California Title 24, establish ventilation and energy efficiency requirements for commercial and multifamily buildings. ASHRAE 90.1-2022 introduces renewable energy mandates alongside efficiency targets, while California's Title 24 mandates balanced ventilation systems and performance thresholds. Emphasis is increasing on indoor air quality (IAQ) as well as energy conservation.^{3ASHRAE commercial building code standard now requires on-site renewables | Smart Cities Dive}

Codes are shifting toward balanced ventilation-bringing in outdoor air while recovering energy through HRV/ERV-instead of relying on infiltration. ERV systems deliver measured fresh air with energy recovery, supporting IAQ and code compliance.^{5New Building Codes Mandate Mechanical Ventilation—ERVs Are}

Details

California's new provisions require HRV/ERV systems in multifamily buildings to meet specific performance standards for heat recovery and fan efficiency, and undergo field verification, ensuring system performance.^{1Title 24 2026 Energy Code: Heat Pumps, Air Barriers & HRV Requirements for Pacific Beach}

New York's adoption of ASHRAE 90.1-2022 aligns state requirements with the latest energy standard, potentially enabling greater energy savings and improved ventilation. The DOE's determination requires state code reviews by early 2026, compelling further alignment.^{3ASHRAE commercial building code standard now requires on-site renewables | Smart Cities Dive}

Natural Resources Canada's retrofit guidelines confirm that HRV/ERV systems are established for cold climates in North America, though retrofits face barriers including space constraints, integration with air handlers, and sensor strategy.^{4Building Technologies Office}

The industry response includes manufacturers promoting high-efficiency rooftop and unitary HRV/ERV products and integrators investing in training for balanced ventilation installations and verification. Industry statements and early market trends reflect this adaptation.

Outlook

As new codes are adopted, HVAC contractors and system designers must prioritize HRV/ERV selection, design verification, and installer training. Project specifications need to integrate balanced ventilation to meet compliance and IAQ objectives. Retrofit projects will balance upfront costs with energy savings and client demand for high-performance buildings. Adoption timelines in additional jurisdictions will guide product rollouts and service adaptations.